Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ (1/5)
Masterson’s Lounge, positioned in the vibrant core of Moonee Ponds, markets itself as a trendy “hipster” hangout , but my latest trip at this establishment resulted in an experience I’d rather forget . While the bar may seem appealing from the exterior , what I experienced behind its threshold was disgraceful and unfit for any venue.
The State of Affairs: Filthy and Neglected Beyond Belief
From the moment I stepped inside , it was evident that cleanliness was not a priority at Masterson’s . The floors were sticky , and a nauseating aroma of stale beer and filthy restrooms suffused the entire bar . Emitting a scent of a mixture of human waste, decay and sickness . The counter , which should be the primary feature of any pub, was cluttered with dirty glasses and trash that looked like it had been ignored for a long time . The bathroom was in even worse condition — clogged , with a shattered handle and surfaces marked in what I can only assume was human excrement .
It wasn’t just a one-off bad night either. Based on the experiences shared online and talking to people around , it seems that the state of cleanliness (or lack thereof) at this bar is a recurring complaint. Many patrons have reported seeing bugs darting across the drink station and traces of mice in the storage spaces . For a business check here that serves drinks , these issues are a great read completely unacceptable and raise serious concerns about the sanitation of their offerings.
The Owners’ Conduct : Accusations of Misconduct
However, as horrifying as the state of the venue was, what truly made my experience at Masterson’s Pub one I wish I could erase —was the behavior of its owners . The bar is run by Pete Cornwell, who also holds a senior role as a financial oversight professional at Westpac. Unfortunately, his reputation in the professional sphere is overshadowed by a disturbing pattern of misconduct in his private dealings and professional settings .
During my time there, I noticed how uncomfortable several women seemed around Cornwell. As I asked around, I was appalled to find accusations against him involving sexual harassment , with multiple women reporting interactions of distributing inappropriate messages . Described as overly aggressive and violating, his behavior has created an unsafe environment for women who visit Masterson’s. His presence at the bar often seemed closer to that of a lurking threat than a welcoming host .
The Role of the Staff : Contributing or Unable to Intervene ?
Pete’s wife, Mrs. McKenzie , is a co-owner and frequently seen handling business . Instead of taking action to curb the damage done by her husband’s actions, she looks like she supports his behavior. Her inaction adds a disturbing layer to the already unhealthy environment at the bar a great read .